Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 6, 1990 TAG: 9006060463
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A/2 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: FARGO, N.D. LENGTH: Medium
Now they're giving thanks, even though it's too early to say the drought is over.
"It was so bleak and dry for so long that when we got the rain last week everyone came in with sunshine on their faces," said Gertrude Buscher, executive vice president of the Bank of Beulah.
Some folks are calling it the "million-dollar rain."
Sanford Williams, who farms 2,200 acres near Wing in central North Dakota, said 4 inches of rain in the past few days are giving his crops new life.
"Two years ago, we didn't pull the combine out at all. Last year, we used the oats for hay," said Alvin Braun, who farms with his father near Bismarck.
"The drought is hard financially on everybody, but I think the mental stress is worse. Just knowing it can rain is really a help," he said.
Most of the rain has fallen in the eastern part of the state. Fargo has reported 5 inches since March 25, nearly half an inch above normal. The area got more than 2 inches during a soaking last weekend.
The prospect of a third year of drought prompted more than 100 people to gather on the steps of the Capitol last month to pray for rain. A rain dance also was held.
While the rain is the main topic of discussion in coffee shops and on street corners, farm experts warn that the drought is far from over.
The rain has moistened dry topsoil but it has done little to restore soil reserves. A study this week found moisture under the top 4 inches of soil still short over 97 percent of the state.
by CNB